95' 5.0L 302 Idle issues at start

When I start my 1995 5.0L 302, the engine will idle up and the check engine light will flash a couple times.  After a few minutes, it will die down, nearly dying out completely, and then go right to normal.  After that, everythings fine and it runs great.  And if you try to throw it into gear before it stops idling, it dies completeley. Any ideas as to what the issue/possible solution could be?

Thanks

Hey Herc, welcome.

The first thing to do is pull any codes...both KOEO and KOER.  Since the CEL is flashing it tell me the comp is getting demand signals that it cannot comply with.  There should be a pending code stored.  That code will tell you where to look for the problem.

If you don't have a code reader, most parts stores will check for you.  Have them right the code/s down and post them here. You will find alot of help.

Just as a though it could be a vaccum leak, a bad or dirty TB, idle control, MAF sensor, loose fitting air delivery hoses...etc...etc.

Good Luck

Pull Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) From your onboard computer.
Your engine and transmission are computer controlled.
The computer uses sensors to tell it a number of different things and it controls actuators that push or pull mechanical levers (kinda). If one or more sensors aren't working properly, the computer goes "blind" and doesn't know what to do. If the computer can "see" but one of the actuators is broken and therefore can't follow the commands of the computer; the engine won't run correctly. The computer is preprogrammed with set values for each of its sensors, and each of its actuators. It will run a self check of all systems, like the space shuttle; it will compare its set value(s) to the value(s) it recieves from its sensors, and actuators. If any sensor or acutator is out of the "normal" range the computer will generate a "code." It will generate some codes on the fly, and others will be stored while you are driving. There is a simple method to "pull codes" out of the computer for one to use for diagnostic purposes.
Earlier versions of On Board Diagnostics OBD 1983-1995 can flash the error code to the dash board and can be pulled in one's driveway without any special tools.
Later versions of On Board Diagnostics OBDII some 1995, and pretty much all 1996 and newer, require one to use a code reader or scanner tool.
Some auto parts stores will scan your engine codes for FREE, you may want to call around. Some will scan OBDII but not the older (prior to 1996) OBD systems.
SO here you go...
How to scan FORD on board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in your driveway

HowTo Pull Codes 1983-1995 Broncos, Mustang, F series Trucks, Econolines, 302, 351 and more